At every turn, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
